The Best is Yet to Come

Happy New Year! As we kick off 2017, I want to give you a brief look ahead for the Page Society.

As you may know, in 2013, the Page trustees adopted a five-year plan that envisioned a more global membership with increased opportunities for learning and engagement; a range of professional development offerings for members and their teams; and expanded thought leadership designed to advance the understanding of our profession and the value it delivers. I am proud to report that last year we made strides on all of these fronts (see here for infographic of Page highlights in 2016).

As we begin a new year, we will map the next five years for the Society via our strategic planning process for 2018-22. As we do so, our aim will be to learn how Page can better meet your evolving needs and expectations. To this end, there are a few areas on which we will focus in the coming year.

First, we will increase our investment to globalize Page. Doing so is central to our mission of strengthening the leadership role and global acumen of the CCO. With the help of volunteer members and a series of events in EMEA, APAC and Latin America, we will redouble our efforts to make Page a global network of the top leaders and thinkers in our field.

Second, we will offer more opportunities to engage with Page and its members. The Spring Seminar will feature more workshops that allow for discussions around timely topics. We will hold our second Page Exchange in June in Chicago. The Page Exchange is specifically designed to promote dialogue and networking in a more intimate atmosphere. We will also work with members to organize more local networking events. And we plan to offer several webinars, to help make our thought leadership more relevant and actionable.

Third, we will continue to invest in the future generation of leaders through our professional development programs. Page Up has surpassed 200 members and the Future Leaders Experience received its highest enrollment ever. Our commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion will be supported by hosting a second year of the Diverse Future Program in May (here's the 2016 brochure FYI). This weeklong seminar for promising professionals offers training in leadership and career advancement as well as ongoing mentorship by Page members.

In the last few months, we have witnessed tremendous changes taking place around the world. It is in times of profound change that I am reminded why Page membership is so valuable. While our jobs, organizations and sectors differ, we share common experiences and challenges and we all benefit when we have the chance to learn from one another's experiences.

In 2017, I urge you to be an active participant in Page, both for your benefit and that of your fellow members. Renew your membership for 2017 (if you've yet to), register for the Spring Seminar (April 6-7 in New York), nominate a new member (by January 20 so they can attend the Spring Seminar), and complete our member survey so we know better how to serve your needs and meet your expectations.